INTERPRETATION
Live interpretation
Museum theatre
A specific kind of interpretation that employs fictional activity to communicate ideas, facts and concepts. A museum-theatre performer assumes the role of a character (as a solo gallery character, an interpreter or as part of a play or scenario) in order to entertain and educate visitors. They take on the role of a particular character in a particular circumstance in order to help visitors appreciate and understand the story in hand and, through that, some aspect of the host museum or site.
First person interpretation
Third person interpretation
Where an interpreter dresses in appropriate costume and has a full knowledge of the life of a particular character or specific era, but does not assume that role (i.e. can speak authoritatively of the character’s life and times, but remains a 21st century person discussing the past).
Living history
A very broad term used to describe historically authentic activities in an appropriate context, often an open air museum. Interpreters engaged in living history may be in role (see First Person) or simply in costume (see Third Person).
Re-enactment
Role play
Story-telling